
Elias Photography Chicago
About
I've been photographing for over 30 years, and have been teaching in some capacity through most of those. I believe we teach what we need to learn; that is, I have to keep sharp in the fundamentals of photography every time I pick up a camera, and I have to be clear what those fundamentals are. That is the key to photography - the fundamentals! And actually to most things in life. With digital photography, these days, you can practice and get results very easily. The road to becoming not only a better photographer, but also, becoming a professional photographer, is much easier and a lot faster. I like to teach the basics in black and white. Black and white shows the lighting and form better than color, especially when learning. I recommend that for all beginners, and actually, for everybody who wants to see the difference lighting and exposure, using different settings (aperture, shutter speed, and iso), make in our photos. I have the experience to show you how to control your photographic experience to the best of your abilities.
I enjoy working with others excited about photography as I am. There's really not much to be learned to become adept at photography. Once a student learns and starts getting results, it is a joy to see them explore the possibilities. It inspires me. There is an energy to teaching and learning that translates back and forth from instructor to student and back again. And that gives me energy to be even better than I am, and to help others be better than they are.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
What is the objective the student is trying to reach? That's the most important question. Then we can work on a plan to get them there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've worked over 30 years in the industry, with most of those years teaching as well. I have a B.A. in Photography from Columbia College and have quite a bit of Masters work from Columbia College as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50/hr for in person lessons, 2 hour minimum.
$30/hr online lessons via skype or Facetime or other apps, 1 hour minimum.
How did you get started teaching?
As a teaching assistant in photography department at Columbia College in 1986.
What types of students have you worked with?
Every age and every level.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students was set to go on a trip to the Galapagos, and she had no training. We had a few lessons before she was to get underway. She came back from her trip with some award winning photographs. I helped her put a book of photographs together of her trip.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask how will the instructor help you to get from point A to point B; and how long. Experience is great to have, but methodology is more important.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to do with my photography? What do I like to photograph? What do I like about photography and what don't I like about it? How much time and resources do I want to spend on photography? Is this a hobby or do I want something more, such as a career? What is the most important thing I want to get out of learning about photography?